Tonneau cover and method of attachment

ABSTRACT

A tonneau cover and a method of attachment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a self-energizing clamp can be used to retain a tonneau cover onto a side wall of a truck bed, or other vehicle bed. In some embodiments, the clamp can be rotated between a usage position and a storage position in order to prevent the clamp from incidental movement or harm while accessing the truck bed.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a bow hanger for a tonneau covercomprising a hanger portion, the hanger portion comprising a firstattachment portion configured to associate with a tonneau cover, aconnecting section attached to the first attachment portion, a secondattachment portion, the second attachment portion positioned opposite ofthe first attachment portion from the connecting section, the secondattachment portion attached to the connecting section, and a clampportion, the clamp portion comprising a body portion configured toretain the hanger portion, a hinge mechanism connected to the bodyportion, a retaining mechanism associated with the hinge mechanism, saidretaining mechanism positioned to exert a clamping force when said clampis in at least one clamping position and to relieve said clamping forcewhen said clamp portion is in at least one release position, and anactuator configured to move said hinge mechanism between said at leastone clamping position and said at least one release position.

In some embodiments, the first and second attachment portions can beconnected to each other. In some embodiments, the retaining mechanismcan comprise a flexible end. In some embodiments, the hanger portion canbe configured to rotate relative to the body portion.

In some embodiments, the bow hanger can further comprise a lockingmechanism to secure the clamp portion relative the hanger portion sothat said clamp portion remains in a storage position.

In some embodiments, the second attachment portion can be configured toattach to a rail, and wherein the clamp portion is configured toreleasably secure the rail to a truck bed.

In some embodiments, the handle can comprise a guard portion to preventa user from injury. In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism can beadjustable. In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism can be adjustedby a stair-shaped mechanism.

In some embodiments, the hinge mechanism can comprise four rotatinglinks comprising a ground link, two grounded links, and one floatinglink. In some embodiments, the grounded links can rotate though alimited range of angles which does not include 0° or 180°. In someembodiments, the hinge mechanism can comprise a beginning hinge point, amiddle hinge point, and an end hinge point, wherein the middle hingepoint is located off-line from a line between centers of the beginningand end hinge points.

In some embodiments, the retainer mechanism can comprise three hingesections which pivotably receive two mating hinge sections defined bythe body portion.

Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a tonneau cover assemblycomprising a tonneau cover at least one rail, and at least one bowhanger, the bow hanger being associated with the tonneau cover and theat least one rail, the bow hanger comprising a hanger portion, thehanger portion comprising a first attachment portion configured toassociate with a tonneau cover, a connecting section attached to thefirst attachment portion, a second attachment portion configured toassociate with the at least one rail, the second attachment portionpositioned opposite of the first attachment portion from the connectingsection, the second attachment portion attached to the connectingsection, and a clamp portion, the clamp portion comprising a bodyportion configured to retain the hanger portion, a hinge mechanismconnected to the body portion, a retaining mechanism associated with thehinge mechanism, said retaining mechanism positioned to exert a clampingforce when said clamp is in at least one clamping position and torelieve said clamping force when said clamp portion is in at least onerelease position, and an actuator configured to move said hingemechanism between said at least one clamping position and said at leastone release position.

In some embodiments, the cover can be a soft cover. In some embodiments,the cover can be a hard cover.

In some embodiments, the hinge mechanism can comprise four rotatinglinks comprising a ground link, two grounded links, and one floatinglink. In some embodiments, the grounded links can rotate though alimited range of angles which does not include 0° or 180°. In someembodiments, the hinge mechanism can comprise a beginning hinge point, amiddle hinge point, and an end hinge point, wherein the middle hingepoint is located off-line from a line between centers of the beginningand end hinge points.

Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a truck having a truck bedcomprising at least one rail located on the inside of the truck bed, therail extending generally from a back end of the truck bed to a front endof the truck bed, and at least one bow hanger configured to moveablyattached to the at least one rail and configured to associate with atonneau cover, the bow hanger comprising a hanger portion, the hangerportion comprising a first attachment portion configured to associatewith a tonneau cover, a connecting section attached to the firstattachment portion, a second attachment portion configured to associatewith the at least one rail, the second attachment portion positionedopposite of the first attachment portion from the connecting section,the second attachment portion attached to the connecting section, and aclamp portion, the clamp portion comprising a body portion configured toretain the hanger portion, a hinge mechanism connected to the bodyportion, a retaining mechanism associated with the hinge mechanism, saidretaining mechanism positioned to exert a clamping force when said clampis in at least one clamping position and to relieve said clamping forcewhen said clamp portion is in at least one release position, and anactuator configured to move said hinge mechanism between said at leastone clamping position and said at least one release position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a truck bed having an embodiment of a tonneau coverand bow hanger.

FIG. 2 illustrates a truck bed having an embodiment of a tonneau coverand bow hanger.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a bow hanger inserted into a railsystem.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the attachment of an embodiment of abow hanger to a truck bed.

FIGS. 5-12 illustrate viewpoints of an embodiment of a bow hanger for atonneau cover.

FIGS. 13-14 illustrate adjustment pieces for an embodiment of a bowhanger.

FIGS. 15A-C illustrate the opening/closing of an embodiment of a bowhanger for a tonneau cover.

FIGS. 16-19 illustrate an embodiment of a bow hanger for a tonneau coverwhich is rotated from a clamping position.

FIGS. 20-23 illustrate internal components of a rotation mechanism forembodiments of a clamp for a tonneau cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are embodiments of covers, attachment systems forcovers, and methods of attaching a cover to the bed of, for example, atruck. In some embodiments, the covers can be tonneau covers, asdiscussed in detail below, but the type of cover does not limit thedisclosure.

In some embodiments, hangers, such as bow hangers, can be used to attacha tonneau cover, or tonneau, to a bed of a pickup truck. The tonneaucover can be hard or soft, or a mixture of hard portions and softportions. The relative rigidity of the tonneau cover does not limit thedisclosure. In some embodiments, the cover can be reduced in size byfolding or hinging for a hard cover, and rolling for a soft cover,though the method of reduction does not limit the disclosure. Therefore,the cover can extend over the length of the truck bed, or can becompacted into a storage position, thereby revealing the contents of thetruck bed for a user to more easily access. Because the tonneau covercan completely cover a truck bed, the tonneau cover can be used, forexample, to prevent sun or other environmental damage to cargo. Further,in some embodiments the tonneau cover can be locked onto the truck bed,such as on the gate of the truck bed, thereby increasing security of anycargo by preventing others from accessing a truck bed that is typicallyopen without the tonneau cover.

FIG. 1 shows a bed 100 of a truck which can be covered with a tonneaucover (the covered truck bed 100 shown in FIG. 2). A series of rails 102can be located on and can extend across the open top of the truck bed100. The rails 102 can be permanently attached to the bed 100, or can beremovable from the bed 100. As discussed in detail below, the rails 102can be attached on the truck bed 100 through the use of bow hanger andclamp assemblies 300. In some embodiments, the truck bed 100 can havegenerally parallel rails 102 along the length of the bed 100. There canbe 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more rails 102 and the number of rails 102does not limit the disclosure. Below the rails 102 is a generally flatsurface of the truck bed 100 which runs generally parallel to the bottomof the truck bed 100, this surface having a bottom lip 702 as discussedbelow.

Bows 200 can be located at the edges of segmented sections found in hardtonneau covers, though soft tonneau covers can be used as well. The bows200 can be associated with bow hanger and clamp assemblies, or bowhangers, 300. The bows 200 can be removably attached to the hanger 300.These hangers 300 can be used to attach the rails 102 to the sides of atruck bed 100. Further, the hangers 300 can attach a tonneau cover,through the use of bows 200 to the rails 102, thus attaching the tonneaucover to the truck bed 100. FIG. 2 illustrates a truck bed 100 with acover 101 over the bows 200. As shown, the cover 101 can be associatedwith the bows 200, thus allowing the cover 101 to provide a covering forthe bed 100.

As discussed in detail below, in some embodiments the bow hangers 300can be associated with and generally retained in the rails 102. This canbe seen in FIG. 3 and, as shown, the bow hanger 300 can contain a guide304, being generally T-shaped in some embodiments, which inserts intothe rails 102. The guide 304 can be generally a stem with a doubleflange member, though it could be other shapes as well and the shapedoes not limit the disclosure. When in the open configuration, the guide304 can slide within the internal structure of the rail 102.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a bow hanger 300 in a closedconfiguration attached to a truck bed 300. As shown, guide 304 can beinserted into rail 102, thereby preventing or hindering movement of thebow hanger 300 in all directions other than in parallel with thedirection of the rail 102 so that the guide 304 slides within the rail102. To stabilize the bow hanger 300, and thus the tonneau cover, thebow hanger 300 can be closed, thus putting a generally vertical force onthe underside of a lip 702 of the truck bed 100. By closing the bowhanger 300, the rails 102, which can contain no other attachmentmechanism to the truck bed 100, can be mechanically attached to thetruck bed 100. Therefore, the bow hanger 300 can remain in place on therail 102 in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, after the bowhanger 300 is inserted into the rail 102 at a certain position, the bowhanger 300 may be mechanically fastened to the rail 102 so that thehanger 300 does not move relative to the rail 102, but the rail 102 canstill move relative to the truck bed 100.

In some embodiments, a plurality of bow hangers 300 can be used on thetruck bed 100. In some embodiments, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more bowhangers 300 can be used on each side of the truck bed 100. In someembodiments, greater than 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 bow hangers 300 can be usedon each side of the truck bed 100. In some embodiments, less than 2, 3,4, 5, 6, or 7 bow hangers 300 can be used on each side of the truck bed100. The number of hangers 300 used does not limit the disclosure. Insome embodiments, the same number of bow hangers 300 can be used on eachside of the truck bed 100. In some embodiments, a different number ofbow hangers 300 can be used on each side of the truck bed. In someembodiments, each bow hanger 300 can be associated with a portion of thetonneau cover. In some embodiments, not every bow hanger 300 isassociated with a portion of the tonneau cover.

In some embodiments, the bow hangers 300 can be movable along the rail102 when in an opened position. When in the closed position, the bowhangers 300 can be locked in a stationary where a user locks the bowhangers 300.

Bow Hanger

FIGS. 5-12 illustrate different viewpoints of an embodiment of a bowhanger 300. The bow hanger 300 can be formed with different attachmentmembers, a rail attachment member 302 to attach to the rail 102 and abow attachment member 308 to attach to at least one of the bows 200. Thebow hanger desirably also includes, a clamp portion 309 which can bemade up of the body 306, handle 310, pivot arm 510, and clamp engagementmechanism 312, though other parts can be used as well and the describedparts do not limit the disclosure. The clamp portion can be associatedwith members 302/308, which can be used to fix the bow hanger 300 (andthus the bow 200) to the rail 102.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first attachment member 302 can be used toattach to rails 102 sitting on a truck bed 100. The attachment member302 can be shaped generally like a triangular prism, though other shapescan be used as well and the shape of the attachment member 302 does notlimit the disclosure. For example, the attachment member 302 can berectangular shaped, square shaped, or irregularly shaped. In someembodiments, the attachment member 302 can contain hollow portions 303extending through the attachment member 302, as shown in FIG. 5. Thesehollow portions 303 can reduce the overall weight of the attachmentmember 302, while still retaining stability. In some embodiments, theattachment member 302 can be solid and not contain the hollow portions303. In some embodiments, the attachment member 302 can contain a guide304 configured to slide within the rails 102 of the truck bed 100, thusallowing the bow hanger 300 to slide along the plane of the rail 102.

In some embodiments, attachment member 302 can have a self tapping screw305 extend through it. As shown, the head of the self tapping screw 305can be located within the body of attachment member 302, for examplethrough an aperture, and the screw portion can extend away from theattachment member 302 in the direction of guide 304. In someembodiments, the screw 305 can extend through guide 304. Therefore, whenthe bow hanger 300 is located on a desired position on the rail 102, theself tapping screw 305 can be tightened to mechanically attach the bowhanger 300 to a fixed position with respect to the rail 102. In someembodiments, the self tapping screw 305 can extend from the attachmentmember 302 to relatively permanently attach the attachment member 302 toa rail 102. In some embodiments, the self tapping screw 305 can beremoved from a rail 102.

At the end opposite the guide 304, the attachment member 302 can beretained within a body 306. In some embodiments, the attachment member302 can be attached to a connecting member 500 which can be insertedinto a retaining body 306. In some embodiments, connecting member 500can be cylindrical, though the shape does not limit the disclosure. Thebody 306 can be shaped to accept the connecting member 500, though theshape of the body 306 does not limit the disclosure. In someembodiments, the connection member 500 can move along the axis of thebow 200 and the body 306, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 10. Theconnection member 500 can then be locked in place in the body 306, asdiscussed below. This can allow for flexibility in the clampingposition, and allows for ease in rotating to the stow position, asdiscussed below.

As mentioned, the end of the attachment member 302 inserted into thebody 306 can be sized and shaped to be retained within the body 306. Theattachment member 302 can extend out at different lengths from theretaining body 306, allowing for attachment to different truck beds 100.In some embodiments, the attachment member 302 can be movable in and outof the body 306. In some embodiments, in order to increase the length,the attachment member 302 can be removed and a longer or shorter membercould be inserted into the retaining body 306. In some embodiments,different lengths of attachment member 302 can be used at differentlocations of the truck bed 100.

In some embodiments, the body 306 can be formed from two differentpieces. The two pieces can be attached by an attachment element, such aswith rivets 307, shown in FIG. 9. However, the attachment mechanism doesnot limit the disclosure. In some embodiments, the body 306 can beopened. In some embodiments, the two body pieces can be permanentlyattached to one another. By having the two pieces, manufacturing of thebody 306 can be made easier.

Generally opposite attachment member 302 can be second attachment member308. This member 308 can be configured to attach to a tonneau cover. Forexample, the member 308 can be sized and configured to fit within hollowspaces in the bows 200 of a hard tonneau cover. However, the method ofattachment of the bow hanger and the tonneau cover does not limit thedisclosure, and any attachment means can be used. In some embodiments,the member 308 can be shaped like a rectangular prism, though the shapedoes not limit the disclosure. Member 308 can be inserted and retainedinto body 306. In some embodiments, members 302/308 and connectingmember 500 can be formed of a single piece, with the attachment member302/308 being on the ends and a generally connecting member 500attaching the ends.

In some embodiments, members 302/308 can each have a retaining mechanismfor attachment to their respective rail 102 and bows 200. For example,the members 302/308 can have a locking mechanism to retain the members302/308 in their respective location. In some embodiments, the members302/308 can have and indent, dip, or slot, for example, that resistsmovement but can be overcome if sufficient force is applied.

The body 306 can be attached to a handle 310 and clamp engagementmechanism 312. The handle can include a guard 316 configured to preventinsertion of a user's skin or fingers into any openings, thus reducingthe incidence of damage to a user's fingers. The guard 316 can extendaway from any joint on the bow hanger 300, such as the joint connectingthe handle 310 to the body 306. In some embodiments, handle 310, in theclosed position as shown in FIG. 9, can extend generally parallel tomembers 302/308. In some embodiments, the handle 310, in the closedposition, can extend at an angle away from the axis of members 302/308.The angle does not limit the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the handle 310 can extend away from the body 306,thereby providing sufficient room for a user to grip and hold the handle310. In some embodiments, the handle 310 can have a cushion, or othersoft material, attached for a user to hold. In some embodiments, thehandle 310 can be sized and shaped to easily fit within a user's hand.In some embodiments, the handle 310 can have a slip resistant surface,such as a rough surface or an attached increased friction surface, inorder to reduce slippage by a user when operating the bow hanger 300.

Both the handle 310 and body 306 can be attached to a clamp engagementmechanism 312. The clamp engagement mechanism 312 can be generally L, orC,-shaped in structure, though the particular shape does not limit thedisclosure. In some embodiments, the corners of the L-shape can begenerally rounded. In some embodiments, the corner of the L-shape can beformed of two different bends 301 and a connecting segment 303, as shownin FIG. 9, thereby forming a more rounded shape for the clamp engagementmechanism 312.

In some embodiments, the clamp engagement mechanism 312 can vary inthickness across its body. For example, the lower arm 324 can be thickerthan the other parts of the arm, as the lower arm 324 can experiencemost of the load of the bow hanger during operation.

FIGS. 6 and 12 show an embodiment of a connection between the clampengagement mechanism 312 and the body 306. As shown, the body 306 canhave 2 segments 318 that fit within the gaps between 3 segments 320 ofthe clamp engagement mechanism 312. A connecting member 322 can thenpass through the segments, thus allowing the clamp engagement mechanism312 to rotate with respect to the body 306. This configuration can alsoprevent injury to a user if fingers were to be located in the area ofthe connection while the bow hanger 300 is being operating, as there isnot sufficient space for fingers to be caught in the connection betweenthe two parts. Further, by having the clamp engagement mechanism 312 bethicker than the body 306, more load can be applied to the clampengagement mechanism 312.

As shown in FIG. 10, at the end of the clamp engagement mechanism 312generally opposite of attachment to the body 306, the lower arm 324 canhave a rail retaining portion 314. The rail retaining portion can bemade up of an engagement member, such as pad 402, a body 404, and aposition adjustment member, such as screw 406, though other componentscan be used as well and the listed components do not limit thedisclosure.

The pad 402 can be made of a generally flexible or pliable material.Therefore, when the pad 402 presses against the bottom of lip 702, itwill not damage the lip 702. The pad 402 can mold or deform against thebottom of the lip 702 to give improved grip to the clamp engagementmechanism 312. Further, the pad 402 can be made of a slip resistantmaterial, or can be coated by a slip resistant material, which can allowthe pad 402 to remain in the desired position on the lip 702, even ifsome minimal forces were to act on the bow hanger 300. In someembodiments, the pad 402 can be generally circular, but the shape of thepad does not limit the disclosure, and square, triangular, orrectangular pads can be used as well.

The pad 402 can be located on and attached to a body portion 404, thoughthe attachment mechanism does not limit the disclosure. The body portion404 can be generally cylindrical, though the shape of the body portion404 does not limit the disclosure. In some embodiments, the body 404 canbe formed as a rectangular prism. The body portion 404 can be sized tofit within an aperture 802 (shown in FIG. 13) of the lower arm 324. Insome embodiments, the aperture 802 can contain a mating mechanism withthe lower portion of the body portion 404, thus preventing the bodyportion 404 from spinning in the aperture. In some embodiments, lowerarm 324 doesn't have an aperture 802 and the body portion 404 can reston the lower arm 324. Further discussion of the aperture 802 can befound below.

Below the lower arm 324, at the opposite side as the body portion 404,the rail retaining portion 314 can contain a screw 406. The screw 406can be used to adjust the positioning of the body 404, and thus the pad402. This can allow for different distances to separate the pad 402 fromthe bottom of attachment member 302, thereby allowing for attachment todifferent sized rails where the lip 702 can be located in differentvertical configurations.

In some embodiments, the screw 406 can advance adjust the position ofthe pad by about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1,1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2.0 inches. In someembodiments, the screw can advance adjust the position of the pad bygreater than about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0,1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2.0 inches. In someembodiments, the screw can advance adjust the position of the pad byless than about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1,1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2.0 inches. The distance ofadvancement by the screw 406 does not limit the disclosure.

FIGS. 13-14 illustrate an embodiment of the bow hanger 300 having anaperture 802 defined by generally cylindrical mating portion 804 whichis configured to accept generally cylindrical mating portion 806 of bodyportion 404. FIG. 13 shows a view of the lower arm 324 and FIG. 14 showsa view of body portion 404, the two views being in generally oppositedirection. These mating portion 804 can be configured to mate withmating portion 806 located on the body portion 404, so that the matingportion 806 is inserted within mating portion 806. Once inserted, thebody portion 404 can be locked in place at a respective position, thoughcan be generally rotated upon loosening of screw 406.

In some embodiments, the mating portions 804/806 can have a generallystair shaped internal structure, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.Accordingly, the body portions 804/806 fit against one another in thestair shaped internal structure. Once the screw 406 is loosened, thebody portion 404 can be rotated and moved to a different step in theinternal structure, which can change the vertical position of the pad402. The screw 406 can then be tightened, holding the body portion 404in place. The stair step internal structure can also prevent the bodyportion 404 from rotating unless a user so desires. In some embodiments,the mating portions 804/806 can have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 stairs. In someembodiments, the mating portions 804/806 can have greater than 1, 2, 3,4, 5, or 6 stairs. In some embodiments, the mating portions 804/806 canhave less than 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 stairs.

Self-Energizing Clamp Engagement Mechanism

In some embodiments, the clamp engagement mechanism 312 can beself-energizing. For example, a planar four-bar linkage can be used insome embodiments, allowing for stability and predictability in clamping.In some embodiments, a planar quadrilateral linkage can be used forself-energizing the clamp engagement mechanism 312. In some embodiments,a planar quadrilateral crank-rocker linkage can be used, which isdescribed below and shown in FIGS. 15A-C.

In the position shown in FIG. 15A, the clamp engagement mechanism 312 isin a self-energized position so that a load applied to the railretaining portion 314 of the clamp engagement mechanism 312 does notmove the clamp engagement mechanism 312 into the open position (as shownin FIG. 15C). For example, any force exerted downward onto the railretaining portion 314 of the clamp engagement mechanism 312 desirablywill increase the resistance of the clamp engagement mechanism 312 toopening. In some embodiments, the clamp engagement mechanism 312 wouldneed to move upward in a direction opposite the force on the clampengagement mechanism 312 before the clamp engagement mechanism 312 canopen. Therefore, if the clamp engagement mechanism 312 experienced alarge force, it would not pop open, which can be a significant problemfor other bow hangers in use. However, application of force onto thehandle 310 can open the clamp engagement mechanism 312.

In some embodiments, in the self-energized position there can be someslight rotational movement of the handle 310. For example, the handlecan rotate approximately 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 degrees without openingthe clamp engagement mechanism 312 or/or moving the clamp to a positionwhere the clamp is not still self-energized. In some embodiments, thehandle can rotate approximately less than 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 degreeswithout opening the clamp engagement mechanism 312 or/or moving theclamp to a position where the clamp is not still self-energized. Thisensures that the clamp remains self-energized even if the clamp handleis bumped and/or moves somewhat.

FIGS. 15A-C illustrate the bow hanger 300 in the closed/locked (FIG.15A), intermediate (FIG. 15B), and open (FIG. 15C) positions, therebyattaching the rail 102 to the truck bed 100.

As shown in FIG. 15A, the rail retaining portion 314 can be positionedapproximately perpendicular to attachment member 302. This position canlock the bow hanger 300 in place on a rail 102, and can lock the rail102 onto the lip 702. As discussed above, attachment member 302 can havedifferent lengths, and thus the location of the rail retaining portion314 relative to attachment member 302 can change based on the length ofattachment member 302.

As shown in FIG. 15A, hinge 506 is located “off line” from hinges502/504. Specifically, if a straight line was drawn between the centersof hinges 508/504, the center of hinge 506 would not be located on thatline. In FIG. 15A, hinge 506 is shown to be slightly above that line.This can promote the self-energizing functionality of the bow hanger300, as discussed below. Significantly, positions of the pivots of theclamp engagement mechanism 312 are positioned such that force acting onthe pad 402 in a direction which would otherwise tend to open the clampengagement mechanism 312, causes the portion of the handle 310surrounding the hinge 506 to be forced against an abutment surface 511of the body 306, which has the effect of “locking” the clamp engagementmechanism 312 in a clamped position.

It is not until the clamp engagement mechanism 312 has been moved toroughly to the position shown in FIG. 15B which is an intermediateposition between opening and closing, where force acting on the pad 402will tend to cause the portion of the handle 310 surrounding the hinge506 to be rotated away from the body 306 tending to open the clampengagement mechanism. As shown, the clamp engagement mechanism 312 canbe attached to the body 306 through a hinge 501. Further, the clampengagement mechanism 312 can be attached to the handle 310 through hinge504. Further, handle 310 and the body 306 can be attached by a pair ofhinges 506/508 that couple a pivot arm 510 between them.

As shown, the handle 310, clamp engagement mechanism 312, body 306, andpivot arm 510 all pivot with respect to one another, and no sliding isperformed. In some embodiments, pivot arm 510 can act as an input link.In some embodiments, clamp engagement mechanism 312 can act as an outputlink. In some embodiments, one of the input/output links can spin allthe way around, if not obstructed, and the other can rock back and forththrough a given angular range. Further, the handle 310 can act as afloater link, which can drive the input link to a position where therocker link just begins to rock back and further movement of the inputis obstructed by the body of the linkage, which can be a self-energizingtoggle point. The body 306 can act as the ground link (or fixed link).In some embodiments, the grounded links can rotate though a limitedrange of angles which does not include 0° or 180°.

FIG. 15C shows an embodiment of the bow hanger 300 in an open position.As shown, the clamp engagement mechanism 312 can be pulled away fromattachment member 302, thus allowing for the rail 102 to be insertedbetween them. Once the bow hanger 300 is in the proper position on therail 102, the user can apply a force (upward in FIG. 14C) onto thehandle 310, thus closing bow hanger 300 onto the rail 102. This attachesthe rail 102 to the truck bed 100. Also, as shown in FIG. 15C, the body306 can be configured to move or slide along and independently ofconnecting member 500. This movement can facilitate avoidance of anyobjects in the storage position, and can facilitate attachment to therail 102. The body 306 can be locked into a particular position on theconnecting member 500, and can be unlocked to move along the connectingmember 500. This can be done through a locking mechanism or throughfrictional forces, and the type of locking does not limit thedisclosure.

Rotation Configuration

FIGS. 16-19 show an embodiment of the bow hanger 300 wherein members302/308 can rotate within body 306. This can allow for the bow hanger300 to be rotated out of the way into a stow position so that the bowhanger 300 is not damaged when the tonneau cover is removed and foldedfor storage, thereby making it less likely that the bow hanger 300 isdamaged. In some embodiments, the body 306, handle 310, and clampengagement mechanism 312 can be rotated to be generally parallel withthe axis of the rail 102. In some embodiments, attachment member 302/308can be rotated approximately 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130,140, 150, 160, or 180 degrees in body 306. In some embodiments,attachment member 302/308 can be rotated less than approximately 45, 50,60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, or 180 degrees inbody 306. In some embodiments, attachment member 302/308 can be rotatedgreater than approximately 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130,140, 150, 160, or 180 degrees in body 306.

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of the rotation mechanism of the body306. The figure shows a cross section of the body 306 along theconnecting member 500 which connects members 302/308.

FIG. 21 illustrates another cross section of the body 306 along theconnecting member 500 which connects members 302/308. This view showsthat two different pieces of the body 306, as discussed above, can beattached by an engagement mechanism 601. Further, FIG. 21 shows member308 inserted into bow 200.

The connecting member 500 can have a generally circumferential slot 602around the outside. At one end of the slot 602 can be a divot 604extending into the center of the connecting member 500. The body 306 caninclude a tab 606 configured to reside in the slot 602. When theconnecting member 500 is rotated to a maximum rotation, the tab 606 willbe located within divot 604. This divot 604 can releasably hold the tab606 so that the connecting member 500 will remain in the rotatedposition unless a force is applied to release the tab 606. In someembodiments, the tab 606 can be formed from a generally flexiblematerial, though the type of material does not limit the disclosure. Insome embodiments, the body 306 is configured to slightly bow outward toallow translation of the tab 606 within the slot 602. In someembodiments, the slot 602 can contain a plurality of divots 604, therebyallowing for mechanical stop points along the path of the slot 602.FIGS. 22-23 illustrate further cross-sectional viewpoints.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that an inventivetonneau cover assembly and bow hanger are disclosed. While severalcomponents, techniques and aspects have been described with a certaindegree of particularity, it is manifest that many changes can be made inthe specific designs, constructions and methodology herein abovedescribed without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure.

Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context ofseparate implementations can also be implemented in combination in asingle implementation. Conversely, various features that are describedin the context of a single implementation can also be implemented inmultiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination.Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, insome cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may beclaimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination.

Moreover, while methods may be depicted in the drawings or described inthe specification in a particular order, such methods need not beperformed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and thatall methods need not be performed, to achieve desirable results. Othermethods that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in theexample methods and processes. For example, one or more additionalmethods can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between anyof the described methods. Further, the methods may be rearranged orreordered in other implementations. Also, the separation of varioussystem components in the implementations described above should not beunderstood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and itshould be understood that the described components and systems cangenerally be integrated together in a single product or packaged intomultiple products. Additionally, other implementations are within thescope of this disclosure.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements,and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intendedto imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way requiredfor one or more embodiments.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generallyintended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of atleast one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,”“about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent avalue, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, orcharacteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves adesired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”,“generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is withinless than or equal to 10% of, within less than or equal to 5% of, withinless than or equal to 1% of, within less than or equal to 0.1% of, andwithin less than or equal to 0.01% of the stated amount.

Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanyingdrawings. The figures are drawn to scale, but such scale should not belimiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown arecontemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed inventions.Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarilybear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of thedevices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/orrearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature,aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element,or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in allother embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, it will be recognizedthat any methods described herein may be practiced using any devicesuitable for performing the recited steps.

While a number of embodiments and variations thereof have been describedin detail, other modifications and methods of using the same will beapparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, it should beunderstood that various applications, modifications, materials, andsubstitutions can be made of equivalents without departing from theunique and inventive disclosure herein or the scope of the claims.

1. (canceled)
 2. A bow hanger for a tonneau cover comprising: a hangerportion, the hanger portion comprising two attachment ends connected bya connecting member; and a clamp portion, the clamp portion comprising:a body portion configured to at least partially surround the connectingmember, wherein one of the connecting member and the body portioncomprises a circumferential slot and a divot at one end of thecircumferential slot and the other of the other of the body portion andthe circumferential slot comprising a tab configured to interact withthe circumferential slot and the divot; a hinge mechanism connected tothe body portion; a clamp associated with the hinge mechanism, the clampconfigured to translate between a clamped position and an unclampedposition; and a handle configured to move the clamp between the clampedposition and the unclamped position; wherein the body portion isconfigured to rotate around the connecting member so that the tabrotates along the circumferential slot; and wherein, when the tab entersthe divot, the divot releasably holds the tab until a force is applied.3. The bow hanger of claim 2, wherein the connecting member is generallycylindrical in shape.
 4. The bow hanger of claim 2, wherein a first ofthe two attachment ends is configured to interact with a tonneau cover.5. The bow hanger of claim 4, wherein a second of the two attachmentends is configured to interact with a side rail attached to a vehicle.6. The bow hanger of claim 4, wherein the first of the two attachmentends is configured to insert into a bow of a tonneau cover.
 7. The bowhanger of claim 2, wherein the tab is formed of a generally flexiblematerial.
 8. The bow hanger of claim 2, wherein the body portion isconfigured to flex outwards to allow translation of the tab within theslot.
 9. The bow hanger of claim 2, wherein the circumferential slotcomprises a plurality of divots.
 10. The bow hanger of claim 2, whereinthe circumferential slot comprises a stop on an opposite end of thecircumferential slot from the divot, the stop configured to preventfurther rotation of the tab.
 11. The bow hanger of claim 10, wherein theclamp portion is located in a vertical position when the tab interactswith the stop.
 12. The bow hanger of claim 2, wherein the body portionis formed of two halves clamped around the connecting member.
 13. Thebow hanger of claim 2, wherein the body portion is configured to slidealong a length of the connecting member.
 14. A tonneau cover comprising:a tonneau cover having at least one bow; at least one side rail; and atleast one bow hanger comprising: a hanger portion, the hanger portioncomprising a first attachment end configured to connect to the at leastone bow and a second attachment end configured to attached to the atleast one side rail, the first attachment end and the second attachmentend connected by a connecting member, wherein the connecting membercomprises a first interacting guide portion on an external surface ofthe connecting member; and a clamp portion, the clamp portioncomprising: a body portion configured to at least partially surround theconnecting member, the body portion comprising second interacting guideportion configured to interact with the first interacting guide portion;a hinge mechanism connected to the body portion; a clamp associated withthe hinge mechanism, the clamp configured to translate between a clampedposition and an unclamped position; and a handle configured to move theclamp between the clamped position and the unclamped position; whereinthe body portion is configured to rotate around the connecting member;and wherein one of the connecting member and the body portion comprise astop to releasably hold the connecting member and the body portionagainst rotation when the handle is in a storage location until a forceis applied.
 15. The tonneau cover of claim 14, wherein the connectingmember is generally cylindrical in shape.
 16. The tonneau cover of claim14, wherein the first interacting guide portion comprises acircumferential slot having a divot on one end and the secondinteracting guide portion comprises an inward facing tab.
 17. Thetonneau cover of claim 16, wherein the tab is formed of a generallyflexible material.
 18. The tonneau cover of claim 16, wherein thecircumferential slot comprises a plurality of divots.
 19. The tonneaucover of claim 16, wherein the clamp portion is located in a verticalposition when the tab interacts with the stop.
 20. The tonneau cover ofclaim 14, wherein the body portion is formed of two halves clampedaround the connecting member.
 21. The tonneau cover of claim 14, whereinthe body portion is configured to slide along a length of the connectingmember.